What are the symptoms of genital herpes?

Symptoms of genital herpes infection vary among individuals. Both men and women with genital herpes may have vague or mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. Many, but not all, people with genital herpes have recurring outbreaks of symptoms during a period of months to years. Recurrences are generally milder in nature and do not last as long as the initial outbreak.

Early symptoms of genital herpes occur two to six days after exposure and can include:

Decreased appetite
Fever
General feeling of malaise or not feeling well
Headache
Muscle aches
Pain, sensitivity, and/or itching near or on the penis or vulva

Later symptoms of genital herpes occur two to three weeks after exposure and can include:

Appearance of groups of blisters on areas that were exposed to the herpes simplex virus, such as the genitals, vagina, cervix, thighs, buttocks or anus

Blisters that break open and develop into painful lesions or sores that last about two weeks